Info

The hostel provides its guests with adventure tours, such as rafting, horse-riding, trekking, mountain climbing, etc. You can do a work experience placement acting as assistant guides on these adventure tours.

Gain unique work experience in this unusual placement where you'll work in tourism and, if you're suitably qualified, you'll also assist with adventure guiding. This project is located in and around the beautiful and popular town of Malargue, located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Malargue is close to Mendoza, the provincial capital of the Mendoza region in Cuyo. About 700 miles north-west of Buenos Aires and 235 miles from Santiago, Mendoza city is a centre for adventure tourism and is a doorway to neighbouring Chile.
This project is varied, exciting and very unusual - a great experience.

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

• An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Latin America.
• You'll learn a lot from experts in your field about how they work in a cultural environment that's different to what you're used to.
• New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
• An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
• And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

PROJECT OVERVIEW:

The Hostel Internacional Malargue provides its guests with adventure tours, such as rafting, horse-riding, trekking, mountain climbing, etc. If you have appropriate experience, you can do a work experience placement acting as assistant guides on these adventure tours. Your work will consist of:

• Guiding on the tours themselves.
• Some relevant administration work.
• Possibly some marketing of the tours.

When you apply for a work experience placement, we will liaise with you to ascertain which areas you are interested in and would like to work in, and what you're hoping to gain from the placement. Your placement will then be tailored to your skills, so please give us as much detail about yourself as possible when applying, including experience and any possible qualifications you may have.

ABOUT MALARGUE & MENDOZA:

Mendoza is in northwestern Argentina. It's the gateway to the high Andes and the Chilean border at Aconcagua National Park. Here, at over 21,000 feet, you'll find the highest peaks on the South American continent.

Although a bus ride from Buenos Aires to Mendoza, with some stops on the way, takes about 14 hours, the city of Mendoza is light years away from the capital. It is very clean, quiet with mature trees everywhere and has a wonderful city centre. A beautiful green city with a number of parks, Mendoza has a lively atmosphere with numerous restaurants, theatres and nightclubs.

ACCOMMODATION:

You'll stay at the Hostel Internacional Malargue, a small hostel based on a farm in Malargue and close to Las Lenas Ski Centre. It is run by a family who have known and loved Malargue for a long time. As you'll be working with the Hostel on this placement, it couldn't be more convenient!

All the food there is home-made, even down to the bread, the jam, everything! You'll receive breakfast and an evening meal each day. This is a friendly hostel in a beautiful area of the world. As the Hostel offers a variety of tourist tours, there will be constant influxes of guests to meet and socialise with.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO WHILE ON THIS PROJECT:

Add to your travel experience in Argentina by doing some additional exciting activities in Buenos Aires - you never know, you could develop a passion for Latin American dance, or learn a new skill!

• Tango Courses: That most flamboyant and exciting of Latin American rhythms. Includes a weekly Milonga (Tango party) – great fun!
• Salsa Courses: Salsa music is a synthesis of European and African musical influences that was born in Cuba. You’ll learn from a Cuban teacher who will tailor lessons to suit your level, even totally beginners.
• Portuguese Language Courses: Before going on to Malargue, you could take a week of intensive private lessons. You'll be amazed at how much it will add to your enjoyment during your stay.

This project can also be combined with any of our other projects in Mendoza, or you could even do a second project in a different region of the country, like Buenos Aires, thus doubling your adventure and enjoyment!.

Travellers' placements are very flexible and you can combine this project with any other Travellers project, either in the same country or in different countries.

WHAT TOD O NEXT:

Talk to us - We're there to help you. 01903 502595

Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!

If you’d like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us!
If you’d like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.

It’s as easy as that.

OUR VOLUNTEERS SAY..

"The Adventure Tourism programme, based in Mendoza allowed me to really get a feel for kind of work and lifestyle of working within the tourism industry. Starting the placement with very little knowledge of Spanish, I was also pleasantly surprised how quickly I was able to pick it up, through the support and encouragement of those I was working with.

In terms of what I have been doing: when guests arrive in Malargue to go skiing, I show them around the resort. For example where the cheaper restaurants are, where one can buy classes, help with the rental of equipment and buying of passes, the filling out of the discount vouchers for the passes etc. I also help with the transfers to and from the ski centre and the loading and unloading of the “camionetas" (vans). During the day I am skiing!!!!!!!!!!!!

I also helped with the excursion to “Caverna de Brujas” (Witches Caves), and the falls nearby. One of the best features is how much Spanish I seem to be learning, but also I am getting a general feel of the working environment within the tourism industry."

Duration

Available all year round. Our placements are very flexible, you can choose your own start and finish dates.

Start Dates

Flexible start and finish dates you choose. Our placements are flexible and can be tailored to match your preferences. For availability please contact the office.

Costs / Benefits

Costs vary depending on length of placement, but starts at £695 for two weeks. You can participate for up to one year.
Included is full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).
You’ll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you’ll see them frequently.
Pre-departure you’ll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Requirements

Qualifications depend on which placement you choose. Some don't require any qualifications or experience and some others would prefer some experience. Please speak to us so that we can help you choose the placement that is right for you and will give you the most beneficial experience. All placements do require you to have initiative, adaptability and patience (and a good sense of humor helps!)